Here are the 15 stories we're talking about this morning:
1. A GAME FOR THE AGES IN PORTLAND
The jaw-dropping drama of Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs Knockout Round continued on Thursday as the Portland Timbers advanced after winning a record-setting penalty shootout vs. Sporting Kansas City after a 2-2 draw (HIGHLIGHTS). Caleb Porter credited the Timbers Army for his team’s success, and Sporting’s Peter Vermes focused on the good work of goalkeeper Jon Kempin.
2. IMPACT THRASH TORONTO
The Montreal Impact picked up exactly where they left off on Sunday, delivering a 3-0 defeat to Toronto FC and eliminating the postseason debutants (HIGHLIGHTS). Patrice Bernier scored what would prove to be the winning goal for the Impact, and for the beloved club captain, there was no better feeling, TFC, meanwhile, refuse to make excuses for the manner in which they lost.
3. THE ATLANTIC CUP RETURNS
With the Conference Semifinal field now set, Sunday will see the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United square off at RFK Stadium in an Atlantic Cup playoff showdown (3 pm ET, ESPN, MLS LIVE). United head coach Ben Olsen knows what he wants to be remembered for in his time with the club, while the Red Bulls could have some defensive reinforcements ready to go.
4. CAN DROGBA DO IT AGAIN?
Fresh from their demolition of TFC, the Impact will host Columbus Crew SC on Sunday (7 pm ET; FS1, TSN1, MLS LIVE). Crew SC can once again call upon Kei Kamara, whose career has continued to progress since his move back to MLS, while the Impact are hoping for more magic from Drogba, maybe even some more singing.
5. A CASCADIA CLASH
The Timbers' victory sets up a Conference semifinal clash with the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday (5 pm ET; ESPN, TSN1, MLS LIVE). While there could possibly be ramifications from Thursday’s game for the Timbers, the Whitecaps are gearing up to beat their Cascadia foes – and are asking, "Why not Vancouver?"
6. DALLAS SET FOR SOUNDERS
The other Western Conference Semifinal will now see conference winners FC Dallas take on the Seattle Sounders (Sunday, 9:30 pm ET; FS1, TSN2, MLS LIVE). Dallas can’t be considered underdogs given their success this season, and the club has clarified its USL plans to help continue that record in the future. The Sounders, for their part, have a man described as the coolest owner in sports.
7. JONES SAYS SORRY
The New England Revolution are still angry over what they considered to be a stonewall penalty that went uncalled in Wednesday’s Knockout Round clash with D.C. However, Jermaine Jones knows he stepped over the line and has apologized for his actions.
8. A CHANGE IS GONNA COME
With the LA Galaxy’s title defense coming to an immediate halt on Wednesday, they find themselves searching for answers as to how they can right the ship for next year, with some suggesting that real changes could be coming.
9. NYCFC COACHING RUMORS
Jason Kreis’ future with New York City FC remains a hot topic of conversation, especially with unconfirmed reports that NYCFC might look to bring in a former England national tema manager as his replacement.
10. MAN OF STEEL
The Philadelphia Union introduced Brendan Burke, the new head coach of the Bethlehem Steel, to the media on Thursday, with the former Union assistant coach revealing some more details about the new USL side.
11. USL WINNERS AND LOSERS
As for the existing MLS-owned USL sides, the New York Red Bulls II have made choices on several of their players heading into next season, while Portland Timbers 2 are home to the 2015 USL Rookie of the Year.
12. CANADA GRAB A WIN
Games between the US and Canada are always fun but it looks like the Canadians may have the better of the US at U-18 level, if nowhere else, as Canada secured a 3-2 win over the US in a recent friendly.
13. OBA SET FOR RETURN TO THE SUPER EAGLES?
It looks like Obafemi Martins' persistence has paid off, as the Sounders striker is apparently set to receive his first call-up for Nigeria in over two years.
14. BECKHAM HIGH SCHOOL
While Atlanta United get ready to open their official club shop this Saturday, David Beckham’s Miami group is considering a proposal to add a sports high school to their proposed stadium plans.
15. THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE
As Orlando City continue to make strides with their new National Women’s Soccer League team, the Pride, they are getting some useful advice from the other MLS-owned sides in the league.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Voting open now for the AT&T Goal of the Year
Impact center back Lefévre proud to play for adopted city, country
Watch Erik Friberg’s game winning goal in glorious slo-mo
